Two worlds, one family--

[mombastic]

[ It's strange to be in a world with not one set of memories from another world-- not two, but three, not that Otome can really discuss this with anyone. It's difficult enough, when she wakes up these days, and can't remember if she's in her own home, or her apartment. If she needs to call Fumi to check on preparations for the day, or...

But no. This is her world. And not a school day, so she's stuck trying to focus not on what she's missing or what she's lost, but on what lies ahead.

What that actually is, she doesn't know, but she's out and about today, and there's a strong breeze. Maybe today will be a good day for clearing her thoughts. ]

Comments

[mombastic]

... Oh... [ well, she'll slowly lower the popper now. From the way he's staring at her... ]

Was I wrong?

[discard]

... No, I...

[He frowns a little uncertainly, hesitating in the doorway.]

... I was simply...caught unawares. You are correct, of course. It--I suppose it is my birthday, yes.

[mombastic]

... I don't think I've ever seen anyone so uncertain on their birthday before.

[ but she says it gently... with a father like his, that's unfortunately unsurprising. ]

[discard]

Do not... misunderstand me. I am--grateful for this.

[Probably.

It needs to sink in before he can be properly grateful--but then he's just ducking his head, bangs hiding his expression somewhat.]

I just have never...done this before, so I am uncertain what to do. [He's never celebrated his birthday before.]

[mombastic]

...

[ She'll just gently place the popper on the table and walk over, resting a hand on Leon's shoulder as she lowers herself just slightly to try and meet his eyes. ]

This is a very special day for me, Leon, and for everyone who cares about you. It's an anniversary of when you first came into the world... so this day is all about you. What you want to do, what you want to experience... all of those choices are yours.

[discard]

[... He has to swallow, because for a moment, ridiculously, his throat feels tight.

But it's...so much to take it. He knows that Otome loves him and cares for him in a way that nobody else ever has, but to hear it said so plainly on a day like today...it's so much.

Shakily, he breathes in and then out, and lifts his head just enough that it's easier for her to meet his eyes--and he looks a little lost, still.]

I... I see.

[And, shakily but sincerely--]

...Thank you for... for this. [For realizing it. For caring about it. For wanting him to have something on this day.]

[mombastic]

[ There's a softer smile, once he looks at her, before she slowly reaches out to pull him into a hug. There are so many times when she's looked at him and wished she could have met him earlier, that she could have been there as a support when he was much younger and struggling to find a place. But right now, all she can do is be there for Leon as he is now, to give him what he'd apparently never had. ]

I wish I could have done more, honestly. But I didn't want to let such an important day slip by.

[discard]

[As ever, he tenses a little at the touch--but he relaxes faster than before, slumping a little into her hold, and buries his face against her shoulder. All he knows is that Otome has showed him more love and care than anyone ever really has, freely and without restraint, and...he loves her for it too.]

No...you've already-- you've done so much for it already. I did not even tell you when it was.

[And yet...

Here they are, because Otome is magic.]

[mombastic]

I noticed you looking at the calendar earlier, and I had to make a guess... I'm just glad it turned out to be right. [ And now she knows when his birthday is, so she can be better prepared for next year. For now, having Leon resting against her like this is good enough; it means she didn't put him in a tight spot. ]

We'll officially mark it in the calendar, okay? This is something I want to celebrate with you.

[discard]

...Even just that you recognized and wish to celebrate it is...more than enough for me.

[It's honestly more than he could ever ask for.]

[mombastic]

Of course I do! But there's really nothing you want to do today? Or just want in general?

[discard]

[... Hm.]

... No, I cannot imagine what I could possibly want beyond what I already have.

[mombastic]

... Well, this makes it difficult to spoil you, doesn't it?

[ Really, Leon... ]

[discard]

Otome, you already--

[He bites his lip, ducking his head a little in embarrassment.]

I do not need anything else. [She already spoils him.]

[mombastic]

Well, if you insist... should we stick to the original plan of spending the day together, then?

[ He won't object to that, right? ]

[discard]

I...yes, I would appreciate that.

[Very much. He absolutely wants to spend his day with Otome.

It already sounds like the best possible birthday to him.]

[mombastic]

All right, then! We're going to make this day plenty memorable for you.

[ HE'S GOING TO GET SO MUCH MOM TIME. ]

[discard]

[He does love him some mom time.]

I...would say that it already has been that. But I certainly won't argue if you've already got plans.

[He's interested!!]

[mombastic]

Mm, honestly, they're in the making... I think spending with much time with you as I can sounds like a great idea to me.

But we'll have to do something about that cake in a bit, and have you make a wish.

[discard]

[He blinks at that, once again taken somewhat off-guard.]

...A wish?

[Is that a thing people do on birthdays?]

But--that seems rather frivolous. [And he doesn't know what he'd wish for.]

[mombastic]

It's a very important tradition, actually! Birthdays are about making that special someone's wish come true, after all.

[discard]

... I do not believe in wishes, but...

[He hesitates for a moment, uncertain, before he caves.]

If it is a matter of tradition, I suppose it cannot be helped.

[mombastic]

It's all right; the thing about wishing on your birthday is that you don't have to tell anyone what it is. It's the act of making it that's important.

[discard]

...Fine. If that is the case, then I will make a proper wish.

[He's been convinced! (Mostly because he doesn't have to share his wish.)]

[mombastic]

Good! We can save that for when we eat your cake, then.

[ Although he'll be eating most of it. ]